Holy Savior Catholic Academy honors late alumna Bernie Winston ’12
On May 20, Holy Savior Catholic Academy in Wichita honored the life and legacy of the late Bernastein “Bernie” Winston, a passionate educator and 2012 graduate of Newman University.
The school awarded the first-ever Bernie’s Math Power Hour Annual Scholarship to a graduating eighth grader who showed both exceptional math achievement and improvement. The award celebrates Bernie’s belief that all students can thrive with the right support.
Yolanda Camarena, a friend of Bernie’s and former Newman University board member, presented the award and recalled Bernie’s dedication to math.
“She felt that was a skill all students could really thrive with,” Camarena said. “She would be so happy to know that her legacy continues.”
Gwen Sharpe and principal of Holy Savior Catholic Academy
Delia Shropshire hold the Bernie’s Math Power Hour Annual
Scholarship plaque at Holy Savior Catholic Academy.
The ceremony took place nearly a year after Bernie’s passing. Her daughter, Lauren, was deeply touched when she learned the scholarship had been established in her mother’s name.
“My mom really believed every child can be successful if given the chance,” Lauren said. “It’s really special.”
Bernie’s Math Power Hour was born from Bernie’s graduate work at Newman and launched at Wheatland Elementary, where Lauren was a third grader. The program proved so successful it became a permanent part of Holy Savior’s K-8 curriculum.
Bernie’s passion for education began in childhood through the FAME Delaware program, which led her to become a first-generation college graduate. She later blended parenting with teaching, guiding Lauren through Greek mythology, Singapore math and more.
“She was very encouraging about making sure I enjoyed learning,” Lauren said.
Bernie’s work spanned school districts in Kansas City, where she served as a parent liaison and led food drives, home visits and even set up a mini golf course in her office to create a welcoming space.
Even during her ALS diagnosis, Bernie’s joyful spirit endured. She attended Lauren’s graduation from Vanderbilt in 2023 and inspired her daughter’s future in health law.
“I think she was very proud of me, Lauren said. “She poured so much into me.”
Now, Lauren and her father are partnering with Operation Breakthrough in Kansas City to continue Bernie’s vision for equitable education.
“She believed in the power of education and the potential in every child,” Lauren said. “To know her work is still uplifting others … that means everything.”